What's on in Dublin: Gardaí outline traffic and public transport plans for weekend

Irish Independent

3 hours ago

Tens of thousands of people are expected to come into the city, so it's important to plan your travel carefully and be prepared for some disruptions.
Here is everything you need to know if you're headed into town during the busy weekend.
What's on in Dublin this weekend?
There are a number events on this weekend with three huge concerts taking place at Phoenix Park. Country star Zach Bryan is playing three sold-out shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Each night could see up to 60,000 people attending, with around 180,000 fans across the weekend.
On Friday evening, the British and Irish Lions face Argentina in a highly anticipated rugby match. The Aviva stadium will be at full capacity with over 51,000 spectators expected.
There are four GAA games taking place on Saturday and Sunday in Croke Park, including the Tailteann Cup semi-finals. These will draw large crowds to Jones' Road.
In Fairview Park US indie band Kingfishr will play to a sold-out audience on Saturday evening.
Gardaí have also warned that there are two planned 'public gatherings' taking place in Dublin city centre on Sunday afternoon, which will mean rolling road closures and some disruption to LUAS and Dublin Bus services.
What should I expect?
Gardaí will be out in full force to keep the city safe and help manage the crowds and traffic. Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said: 'With so much happening and the good weather, Dublin will be very busy this weekend. We want people to enjoy the events but also to be mindful of others".
Rolling road closures and traffic delays are expected, especially near the Phoenix Park concerts, Aviva Stadium, Croke Park, and the city centre.
Gardaí have a full traffic management plan and will provide updates via their social media channels like @GardaTraffic on X (formerly Twitter).
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If you feel unsafe or need assistance, look out for Gardaí on patrol or call 999/112 in an emergency.
What is the best way to get around town this weekend?
If you're heading to Phoenix Park to see the Zach Byran concerts the closest LUAS stops on the Red Line are Heuston and Museum, with Museum being the best option for leaving after the concerts as Heuston stop will close. The Green Line's nearest stop is Broombridge. Expect a 30- to 40-minute walk from these stops to the concert area.
Park and Ride facilities are available and booking return tickets before you travel is recommended to avoid queues. Use a TFI Leap Card if you have one.
If you are heading to see the Lions game at the Aviva stadium be mindful that road closures will be in place around the Ballsbridge area.
The DART is the best way to get there, with stops at Lansdowne Road and Sandymount stations close by. If driving, expect delays on Shelbourne Road and nearby streets.
If you're going to Croke Park this weekend to see one of the games it is accessible by LUAS (Red Line, Parnell or Abbey Street stops) and Dublin Bus. Road closures will affect areas around Jones' Road and Drumcondra, so public transport is the easier option.
If you're going to see Kingfishr at Fairview Park it is best accessed by Dublin Bus or a short walk from LUAS Green Line stops like Broombridge. Roads near Fairview and Clontarf will have closures, so plan ahead.
What advice are Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Luas giving for the busy weekend ahead?
Irish Rail is running extra services to help manage the large crowds expected from June 20 to 22. Late-night trains will operate from Heuston station after the Phoenix Park concerts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, heading to major destinations including Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Belfast.
Additional trains will also run on the Maynooth and Drogheda commuter lines to accommodate increased passenger numbers.
Dublin Bus is implementing multiple route diversions due to concert traffic and other roadworks, with detailed changes affecting key routes like 11, 26, 37, 38, and 69. Passengers are advised to check live updates via @dublinbusnews on Twitter or their website.
Luas is recommending customers plan ahead when traveling to the Phoenix Park concerts, highlighting that the closest Red Line stops are Heuston and Museum (with Heuston closing after events), and the Green Line's Broombridge stop is nearby. Using Park and Ride facilities and TFI Leap Cards will help ease your journey.